When the job calls for cutting into concrete and masonry materials, angle grinders and power cutters are effective, but if you want to cut deeper, the wheel and tool sizes rapidly increase. Our crew came across the Arbortech Allsaw Cordless Masonry and Brick Restoration Tool BA200X as a possible alternative. I’m taking a closer look to see how it works and help you decide if it can improve your workflow.
Arbortech Allsaw Cordless Masonry and Brick Restoration Tool Basics
Cutting Action
Unlike grinders and power cutters with spinning abrasive or diamond wheels, the Allsaw uses blades with a motion very similar to an oscillating multi-tool. But there’s a twist—it has an orbital action. You also use two blades at once to remove material faster and counterbalance the vibration.
Because of the blades’ motion, you’re able to plunge cut with a much smaller footprint. Think about using a grinder to remove a brick. A 6-inch grinder might grind a little over 2 inches deep. But even at that depth, the wheel has to grind more than 4 inches across the surface and damage other bricks around it. And if you need more depth, the surface effect is even larger.
On the other hand, the Arbortech Allsaw Cordless has narrow access blades that can plunge up to 4 3/4 inches deep and only need about an inch of clearance. It’s like the difference between a broadsword and a scalpel.
Airborne Dust
While the cutting action creates less airborne dust, it doesn’t completely eliminate it. Arbortech has a dust boot that comes with the tool, so you can connect a dust extractor to reduce the amount of dust that escapes and collects around your work area.
I didn’t see anything specifically saying that it makes the tool Table 1 compliant, so be sure to keep your respirators on hand.
Blade Changes
Blade changes are easy and quick. Just pull up on and hold the lever to release the blade, insert the new ones, and lock it back down. It’s about as easy as Starlock for oscillating multi-tools, but because the blades insert into the tool instead of under it, it’s more like a reciprocating saw or jigsaw interface.
Power Source
For power, Arbortech turns to the DeWalt 60V Max FlexVolt battery system. Compared to working with a proprietary battery, that’s a great call. FlexVolt batteries are readily available in most parts of the country, and many contractors are already using DeWalt cordless power tools.
If you like the idea of the saw but prefer the unlimited runtime of AC power, there’s a corded Arbortech Allsaw as well.
Additional Highlights
- Adjustable front handle
Arbortech Allsaw Cordless Masonry and Brick Restoration Tool Applications
Arbortech’s blades are dialed in for masonry materials, but they’ll cut through other materials as well.
- Brick
- Mortar
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Wood
- Plaster
- Drywall
When it comes to restoration jobs, about the only materials you need to avoid are metal and shingles.
As you’re thinking about possible applications, keep in mind the primary purpose of this tool is cutting masonry. If you need to cut through drywall and brick to install a vent, this is the right tool. If you’re only cutting through drywall to install a new outlet, the Allsaw is overkill. Stick to an oscillating multi-tool or rotary tool with a drywall bit.
Here’s a list of the blades and applications you can get:
- General Purpose Blades: general cutting of bricks and mortar, chasing long runs of mortar, cutting openings into brick walls, toothing brickwork.
- XL General Purpose Blades: general cutting of bricks, mortar, or general masonry cutting, cutting large openings into brick walls, cutting tree roots or wood through dirt and sand.
- Plunge Blades: plunge cutting bricks and mortar, single brick removal, deep square masonry cutting without overcutting in corners.
- Switchbox Blades: cutting small square holes in masonry, such as electrical switches.
- Headjoint Blades: precision tuckpointing and mortar removal on short or vertical joints.
- Heritage Blades: thin mortar joints and historic restoration where work needs to be performed without compromising the surrounding brickwork.
- Tuckpointing Blades: remove a 35mm (1 3/8”) shallow layer of mortar between bricks in repointing and restoration work.
Arbortech Allsaw Cordless Masonry and Brick Restoration Tool Price
The Allsaw BA200X sells as a bare tool with a dust boot and plunge blade for $999. A kit is also available for $1349 and includes the following:
- Allsaw BA200X
- Dust Boot
- General Purpose Blade
- Plunge Blade
- Blade Pouch
- DeWalt FlexVolt 9.0Ah battery
- DeWalt fast charger
- Carry case
If the corded model is more your style, it’s $999.
Replacement blades run $85 – $199.
Should You Buy It?
Having learned more about the Arbortech Allsaw Cordless design and checking in with Tom who has been using it, it’s an effective solution for what it’s designed to do. It’s quick and the surprisingly low vibration makes it a great solution for precision work. The key is in the name—Masonry and Brick Restoration Tool. If that’s the kind of work you do, the BA200X is a tool that can improve your efficiency and reduce some significant pain points.
It’s not the only tool you’ll need, though. There are still long-run applications that are most effective with power cutters, and angle grinders are still a go-to option for small-area surfacing. So, think of the Allsaw as a tool that makes part of the job more efficient as you build out a system of tools to optimize your workflow.
